A new conservation initiative to protect Sheffield’s declining swift population has got underway at Norfolk Heritage Park with the installation of three new swift boxes.

The Friends of Norfolk Heritage Park is a group dedicated to protecting and developing the park for the people of Sheffield. Sheffield Swift Network initially approached them about the new installation.

Jess Reilly and colleagues from the Swift Network pitched their idea for the boxes, believing that this initiative will be a vital step in conserving an endangered species while supporting the ecological health of the park. 

Mrs Reilly said: ‘’In an ideal world every single household should have somewhere for these birds to live because once they nest, they stay with you for life.”

Sheffield was officially named ‘Swift City’ in 2023, but faced a significant threat due to modern building standards in Sheffield’s city centre now using plastic soffits and fascias for roofing repairs. 

The installation of these nesting boxes promotes the protection of this endangered species.

Under the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, disturbing or destroying a swift nest is illegal, making this conservation effort even more crucial for the species’ survival.

The installation of these boxes also aligns with the Park’s mission to protect wild areas and increase the growth of rare plant and tree species. 

‘”Having swifts nesting here will be another step in the right direction,’’ said Rosemary Telfer, chair of Friends of Norfolk Heritage Park.  

The committee was immediately successful in their application for approximately £2,004 from the council to install the boxes and provide camera cabling to monitor the birds. The park will be using Nestworks to install the system for public use.

The council’s ecology officer will also be closely monitoring and supporting the project throughout its development. 

The Friends of Norfolk Heritage Park are also hoping to approach local primary schools, Norfolk Heritage School and Norfolk Primary School, for children to be involved in caring for the boxes and monitoring their habitats. 

Monitoring can also be accessed by members of the public who visit the park inside of the visitor’s centre. 

For those interested in learning more about the swift conservation project, the Sheffield Swift Network offers extensive information on its website and social media pages. The Friends of Norfolk Heritage Park will also provide updates on the installation and progress of the nesting boxes via their Facebook page.